Milliarcsecond polarization structure of the superluminal quasar 3C 273

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/169131· OSTI ID:6335379

Roberts, D H; Kollgaard, R I; Brown, L F; Gabuzda, D C; Wardle, J.F. C. ^[1]

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1. Brandeis Univ., Waltham, MA (USA)

A 2 x 10 marcsec-resolution determination is presented for the total intensity and linear polarization structures of the superluminal quasar 3C 273 at 5 GHz. Substantial polarized flux was detected from several superluminal components of the jet, whose fractional polarization increased symmetrically with distance from the core; the most distant component is highly polarized and exhibits a highly ordered magnetic field. Within a few marcsec of the core, the inferred magnetic field orientation varies rapidly with position along the jet. The primarily longitudinal magnetic field orientation is concluded to become established within 20 marcsec of the core. A highly disorganized magnetic field is the most plausible explanation for the low degree of polarization in the innermost regions of the jet. 48 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6335379
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 360; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY RANGE
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MICROWAVE RADIATION
PLASMA JETS
POLARIZATION
QUASARS
RADIATIONS
RELATIVISTIC RANGE